Kerala's pursuit of football excellence took a significant stride forward as Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced a positive response from the Argentina Football Association (AFA) regarding a proposal to host exhibition matches in the southern state.
In a recent development, the minister shared insights into preliminary discussions held with Argentine officials, expressing optimism for further deliberations before finalizing the dates.
Minister Abdurahiman emphasized the state's commitment to nurturing football talent by highlighting the significance of world champions training Kerala's aspiring players. The proposed exhibition matches are viewed as an integral component of this broader initiative. The highly anticipated visit of the Lionel Messi-led Argentinian side is slated for October 2025.
Argentina's Approval for Player Training
In discussions with AFA included plans to train young football players from Kerala, a proposal that received a green light from the Argentine officials. Minister Abdurahiman conveyed Argentina's approval for not only player training but also for participating in two exhibition matches in Kerala next year. The minister took to Facebook to share this exciting news, underscoring Argentina's affection for the state, aiming to transform Kerala into a sea of blue during the Qatar World Cup.
Collaboration and Mutual Benefits
Argentina's eagerness for active cooperation in football with Kerala was evident, with expressed interest in aligning with the state's GOAL training scheme, set to benefit 5,000 children. Although the initial plan for matches in June 2024 faced logistical challenges due to the monsoon season, Argentina's willingness to reschedule to October 2025 reflects their commitment to the collaboration. The minister acknowledged the challenges of organizing such a high-profile friendly match but drew inspiration from the overwhelming enthusiasm shown by the people of Kerala since the news broke.
Potential Clash: India vs. Argentina
Nawaz Meeran, President of the Kerala Football Association, hinted at the possibility of a historic clash between the Indian National Team and the Messi-led Argentina team. He emphasized that the collaboration with AFA extends beyond matches, aiming to leverage Argentina's training modules and techniques to elevate football development in the state. The anticipated venues for the matches include the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi, the latter being the home ground of the Kerala Blasters, an Indian Super League (ISL) team.
Meeran expressed hope for government support in developing other stadiums in the state, including the Manjeri Payyanad Stadium in Malappuram and the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, home to the I-League club Gokulam Kerala FC. Key figures involved in the discussions included Argentina National Team International Relations Head Pablo Diaz, State Sports Department Secretary Pranab Jyotinath IAS, and other representatives, showcasing the collaborative spirit between the two entities.
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